Abstract: Objective To explore the post-traumatic growth (PTG) of ovarian cancer patients during their struggle with the disease, and to construct a conceptual model to describe the PTG. Methods From February 2021 to December 2021, by convenience sampling, 13 ovarian cancer patients were selected for semi-structured in-depth interviews using interpretive phenomenology method. The interview data were analyzed by Smith method. Results The PTG of ovarian cancer patients were grouped into six themes (the world of lies, the real world, the world of chemotherapy, depression and exhaustion, survival and self-growth) and 18 sub-themes. The relationship and ties between different themes and sub-themes were explored to further interpret and analyze the conceptual model of PTG of ovarian patients. Conclusion The conceptual model of PTG is more systematic and holistic, revealing a comprehensive picture of how women with ovarian cancer cope step by step with the disease toward growth. It is suggested that medical staff should pay close attention to the psychological change needs of ovarian cancer population. Early emotional-information-economic support is conducive to remodeling the mental defense line. The mental-emotion-behavior linkage management helps to reduce or eliminate negative emotions caused by the disease and other reasons, stimulate the resilience of patients, promote their active treatment, and realize self-growth as soon as possible.

Key words: interpretive phenomenology, ovarian cancer, post-traumatic growth, model